Performances

The jam classes are open to all instruments and they are a blast! You can pay per class for the jam classes, or sign up for all six sessions to ensure a spot. Call the store at 310) 828-4497.

BLUES JAM

Electric and acoustic guitars are welcome, as well as blues harp, bass, and anything else you like to play (sax, banjo, mandolin, uke, you name it). We'll explore the repertoire of BB, Albert and Freddie King, Big Bill Broonzy, Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker and all the blues greats (from the '30s to the present). Fred can help you with chord progressions, soloing techniques, etc., but mostly it's a chance to jam and get used to playing great blues tunes with other people.

8:00 - 9:30 PM Wednesdays, Nov 14 – Dec 19 (6 sessions)

CLASSIC SONG INTROS

The songs from the "great American songbook" (the 20s, 30s & 40s) all had introductory verses that have been forgotten...but you can remember them, and they make a song twice as interesting and fun! They have a completely different melody and chord progression than the choruses we all know. Fred will show you the verse/intros to classics like Over the Rainbow, As Time Goes By, Side By Side, Georgia On My Mind and more...songs you've heard all your life just get better! You can use the handouts to play along, and learn some fancy jazzy chords. ALL INSTRUMENTS WELCOME! (If you already took this class, we’ll do different songs!)

1:00 - 2:30 Sunday Nov 11 (1 session)

BEATLES & STONES JAM

All instruments welcome! Learn the classic rock tunes of the world's greatest rock bands. Fred will lay out the chord progressions and everybody will play the songs (all together now) and take turns soloing... if you want to solo! If you need some help with chord shapes or soloing ideas and techniques, the maestro is there to help.

It's easier to learn new songs, pop, rock, jazz or whatever, if you understand progressions. Yes, there is sense to it all and Fred will explain chord movement and song structure, the circle of 5ths, progressions, scale-wise patterns and more! Bring your favorite tunes to analyze, and learn to play 'em in any key. An excellent workshop. Open to all fretted instruments!

1:00 - 2:30 PM Sundays, Nov 11 (1 session)

SLIDE UKULELE

If you're ready to up the ante on your playing consider learning how to play slide ukulele, a technique that will enhance any and all blues, Hawaiian, and country music. In this workshop Fred will teach you slide ukulele in standard and open tuning. Please bring your own glass slide, metal slide, or bottleneck.

6:30 – 7:45 PM Wednesday, Nov 14 (1 session)

BEGINNING BANJO

In this 5-string class, Fred introduces you to all kinds of banjo music: bluegrass, old-time, blues, Beatles, whatever! All the chords, strums and picking patterns you need. You'll be playing tunes at the first class. Hey, banjo is a great instrument: nothing sounds like a banjo except...a banjo!